My 1970 1800 has developed a quirk. The tailights illuminate when the car is parked with the light switch and key "off". It happens intermittently and will extinguish by itself. Anyone have a clue where to start to look?

The brake light switch might be a bit loose and has reached a point where it needs virtually nothing, or in this case only a little something, to trigger it.

Sure it's not the break lights? It could be a sticking break light switch at the pedal.
Bob

I agree, the brake lights have power all the time.

So if the pedal isn't returning properly or the spring inside the switch is failing, the brake lights can stay on regardless of whether the key is on or off.
--
Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com

Gregory;

I didn't want to believe it at first when Eric stated it, but knowing him to give good info, I checked it on the Wiring Diagram, and he is right (credit to him again!): Brake lights on your '70E get Battery power (although I don't know why they would do this!...Brake Lights are more commonly an Ignition Powered load)...so I would agree that it's likely a sticking contact and or mechanism of the Brake Light Switch...I suggest locating the switch in the Pedal box and simply lubing the switch with some Tri-flow light oil, or if you have it, Deoxit contact lube/preserver. I recommend against WD (which is mostly solvent), unless you want the process again in two weeks.

Cheers

“...Brake Lights are more commonly an Ignition Powered load…”

I don’t think I’ve ever owned a vehicle in which the ignition had to be ON in order for the brake lights to work.

Chris;

...that can only be true if you've never owned a 544, 122 or a carburated 1800...?

OK...so I'll amend my statement that "Brake Lights [on vintage Volvos] are more commonly an Ignition Powered load"

Cheers

Hi, fellows!
A lost 240 man here!
Yes, things do change!

I think you are both right and it’s probably why it got changed away from the ignition switch.
Everyone needs to know if you are stopped or stopping.
The third brake light was added on too, in 1985-6.

Especially when it helps the cops find a person evading them too!
A many thoughtless marauders have forgotten to take their foot off the brakes after pulling into someone’s empty carport or behind a billboard to watch the cops go by!
Back in days, that and a Motorola was making it hard to get away!
I don’t know why anyone one thinks things haven’t changed with On Star and cameras abound, but then again, criminals are not the wisest people in our society!

On my 1971 Harley Sportster I change over my rear red turn signals into two ways and added a tie-in switch to the front for emergency flashers!
This was back when choppers were popular, but not me, I even had saddle bags and windshield, no less.

I had No other vehicle and wanted more comfort but still being a sport minded young man, now we are both vintage!


I watch my wife one day sitting and texting, with the engine off, waiting for me to come get in too! (:)

I said to her in that one instance, “They use to put the word STOP on the end of sentences when using Western Union too!
What I got was a “What “ look?
Since, I pulled that one on her, she must see or hears me coming and the lights go off!
That because I’m going more deaf or she more trainable than I give her credit for!

(:-) It still happens occasionally, so I quit, because one day she might roll up to something, like ME and I won’t hear or see it coming!
Lights or no lights!
(:-)

Have a good day!
Phil

Interesting…. You’re right though. The oldest Volvo I’ve ever owned was 1972.